Beth B.

Christensen
414-469-8895 christensen.beth3@gmail.com
Job Objective: To obtain a position teaching 1-8
License 72-777 Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence; 334 English Language Arts;
Professional Educator
Education
2015 M.A., Education Alverno College
Thesis: Increasing Reading Comprehension for English Language Learner
Students Using Culturally Relevant Texts
2010 Licensure Program Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence Alverno College
1999 B.A., Communications, German minor St. Norbert College (with honors)
Work Experience
4th and 5th Grade Teacher, Holy Wisdom Academy, Milwaukee, WI (2012 present)
Design engaging lessons and units in science, social studies, religion,
mathematics, reading, and language arts using Understanding by Design and
gradual release responsibility methodology
Employ a variety of tools including, but not limited to, Daily 5, 6 Traits of Writing,
Book Whisperer, and hands-on math manipulatives to increase student learning
and retention
Use Star 360 data to accurately level students reading and math skills, thus
differentiating instruction to meet students zone of proximal development
Employ proven culturally relevant teaching techniques to raise at-risk student Star
360 test scores 5%
Work intensively with struggling and at-risk students to develop critical reading
comprehension and math skills
Schedule content-relevant field trips and guest speakers to extend learning
beyond the classroom
Create a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social
interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation
Promote school pride, family engagement, and community relations by co-chairing
student government group
Grow school pride, family engagement, and community relations, by coordinating,
directing, and participating in spring talent show
Foster discussion with students regarding current events
Coach students for school and community oral presentations
Write grant requests to increase school budgets and provide value-added
experiences and resources to students
Instruct keyboarding and basic computer skills
Reading Intervention Specialist and School Substitute, Deer Creek Intermediate
School, St. Francis, WI (2011 2012)
Worked intensively with 4th-8th grade students to develop critical reading, decoding,
questioning, and comprehension skills
Employed FastTrack Reading and Comprehension Program to assist students in
developing fluency and comprehension in a Level 3 RTI program design
Used MAP Testing data to accurately level students reading and comprehension
skills, thus differentiating instruction to meet students zone of proximal
development
Analyzed current literature and literary elements with students

Demonstrated outlining, timelines, and other studying tools and techniques to

improve student performance on school and mandated district and state exams
Worked with at-risk youth to develop academic and organization skills in
preparation for high school and further education
Fostered discussion with students regarding current events
Served as school substitute on an as needed basis

Student Teaching
Fall, 2010 7th and 8th Grade, St. Alphonsus (Greendale, WI) English Language Arts
Analyzed classical literature and literary elements with students
Taught students proper syntax and grammar, resulting in improved language arts
scores on mandated archdiocesan, district, high school entrance exams, and state
tests
Fostered expanded vocabulary by introducing weekly SAT words and manipulating
them throughout the semester
Fall, 2010 5th Grade, General Mitchell Elementary (Cudahy, WI)
Created and directed 10 week units in science, mathematics, social studies,
reading, and language arts
Practiced experiential learning by engaging students in science experiments and
formulating hypotheses
Manipulated a variety of media to sharpen students understanding of triangles,
quadrilaterals, and other polygons
Field Experience
5th Grade Kosciusko Elementary School (Cudahy, WI)
4th Grade Allen-Field Elementary School (Milwaukee, WI)
7th Grade West Milwaukee Middle School (West Milwaukee, WI)
Demonstrated methods for examining similarities and differences between
nonfiction and fictional texts
Developed sentence structure skills activities, resulting in improved language arts
scores on state tests
Used a variety of media and student questioning to teach how to compare/contrast
and how to apply this analysis skill to students daily lives
Prior Work Experience
Project Manager, American Society for Quality, Milwaukee, WI (2011 2012)
Researched trends and events affecting the future of quality and education
Cultivated dialogues with field experts worldwide to discuss trends and
implications
Instructed courses regarding the future of quality and education
Wrote and prepared collateral piece regarding results of discussions for worldwide
distribution
Executive Assistant, American Society for Quality, Milwaukee, WI (2004 2010)
Wrote and presented new association mission and core values to upper level
management, resulting in adoption of new values for association
Wrote and designed societys governance policies and procedures for members
Promoted a positive and safe work environment as an active member of the
associations core values team
Professional Affiliations (2008 Present)
Wisconsin Reading Coalition
Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)

Special Training
Adult CPR/First Aid Red Cross Certified
Milwaukee Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) member
Community Affiliations
Volunteer Teacher Wehr Nature Center
Interview Team Member for Special Education assistant professor position
Alverno College
Parent Advisory Council member Child Development Center of St. Joseph
Volunteer Cooper Elementary School
Volunteer Riveredge Nature Center child camp programs
Childrens Liturgy Leader
Portfolio: http://buchbbalvernoport.weebly.com
References available upon request